Agartala, Jul 15, 2023, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Agartala Jul 15: Single-use plastic has become a curse for the progress of human civilization because of its non-degradable nature and massive use over the years. It is not only polluting the environment but also creating health hazards as it doesn’t get dissolved.

Raising serious concern over the growing plastic-menace, chief minister Dr Manik Saha called for creating mass awareness over the issues related with plastic and work towards eliminating it from the society as he inaugurated the 'Plastic Mukt Tripura Abhiyan' organized by the Tripura State Pollution Control Board under the Department of Science, Technology and Environment at Agartala Town Hall on Saturday.

Addressing the program the chief minister said, “It is the responsibility and duty of every individual to protect the environment. Every conscious citizen should keep his house as well as his surroundings clean”.

Dr Manik Saha urged the citizens to keep the household garbage in designated places and to take responsibility for the cleanliness of the area.

He said, “There are about 13,000 chemicals in single-use plastic. Among them there are about 3,200 chemicals which are very harmful to our body. Therefore, the use of plastic is causing various diseases in the human body”.

The Chief Minister also laid emphasis on conducting a massive campaign to stop the use of plastic.

He said, “Schools, colleges and neighbourhoods of the state should conduct public awareness programs about the evils of using plastic. All citizens should come forward with responsibility to build plastic free Tripura”.

He also emphasized on keeping all schools, colleges, office buildings in the state clean.

The Chief Minister said that the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a single-use plastic-free India should be spread throughout the state through public awareness.

Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumdar said that this campaign program has been undertaken with the aim of making the people aware of the dangers of using single-use plastic and to make Tripura plastic-free.

Chief Secretary JK Sinha said that Tripura is the only state in the country which has not faced any adverse comments or fines in the National Green Tribunal Forum. This achievement goes to workers associated with local self-government bodies in the state including Agartala Municipal Corporation.

He urged everyone to buy the eco-friendly products being made by women associated with Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission to replace plastic which will also increase women's income.

KS Shetty, Principal Secretary, Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Additional Director General of Police Saurabh Tripathi, Member Secretary of Tripura State Pollution Control Board among others remained present at the days program.

The Chief Minister unveiled a booklet titled "Plastic Free Tripura" on the occasion and a documentary on eco-friendly products made as alternatives to plastic by various self-help groups under Tripura's Rural Livelihood Mission was also screened.